Department of English

Focusing on the major positions and issues in film theory, this course allows students to learn methods, tools, and terminologies to critically analyze the ever-changing phenomenon of cinema in relation to critical debates from different countries and historical periods. We will discuss theories concerning spectatorship, the apparatus, editing, sound, realism and documentary, race, gender and sexuality, stardom, the culture industry, the nation and decolonization, and new media. Through an analysis of this prolific terrain of film theory, we will also trace the shift from the early studies of the nature and specific attributes of the medium to the reassessment of the field vis-à-vis the lens of critical approaches such as feminism, queer theory, Marxism, postcolonialism, and the digital revolution. There are no prerequisites. Requirements include attendance at lectures and participation in discussions; blackboard postings; in-class midterm; and take-home final. This course is required for Cinema Studies majors and minors.